Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
If you’re on a quest for dessert that combines sweet, chewy, and crunchy all in one bite, look no further than these Cherry Coconut Magic Bars. This treat is as delightful to make as it is to eat, featuring layers of graham cracker crumbs, rich chocolate, and the tropical twist of coconut and cherries. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home, you won’t be able to resist these bars once you take a bite.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly forgiving. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that is sure to impress. The combination of graham cracker crust, sweetened condensed milk, and the toppings of your choice come together beautifully, resulting in a dessert that is rich and satisfying. Plus, you can customize these bars by swapping ingredients based on what you have on hand, making this recipe flexible and adaptable to your pantry.
Shopping List
To create these delicious Cherry Coconut Magic Bars, be sure to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup _cupChallenge butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 10 ounces maraschino cherries (1 jar, drained, quartered or halved, and patted dry)
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
Tools & Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This is essential for baking your magic bars.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the graham cracker crust ingredients.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for spreading the mixture evenly in the pan.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurement is key to perfect bars.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper: For easy removal and clean-up.
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready by the time you’re finished prepping your bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they’re cooled.
Step 3: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted _cupChallenge butter and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
Step 4: Press the Crust
Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to press it down evenly across the bottom.
Step 5: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the crust, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is deliciously sweet.
Step 6: Layer the Chocolate Chips and Toppings
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk layer. Then, add the quartered or halved maraschino cherries, followed by the sweetened flaked coconut and chopped nuts.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the overhang, lift the bars out and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
If you need to modify this recipe for dietary restrictions, consider the following swaps:
- Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of _cupChallenge butter.
- For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it dairy-free.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
- Not pressing the crust firmly enough can result in a crumbly base that falls apart.
- Overbaking can lead to dry bars; keep an eye on them in the final minutes of baking.
- Skipping the drying step for the maraschino cherries may lead to excess moisture in the bars.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your Cherry Coconut Magic Bars fresh and delicious, consider the following storage tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well and place in a freezer-safe container.
Reader Questions
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Yes! While walnuts and pecans are both great options, you can use any type of nut you prefer or omit them entirely if you have nut allergies.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a similar flavor and texture.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used, but make sure to pit and chop them finely. They will provide a different texture and flavor profile than maraschino cherries.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden brown edge and a slightly firm center. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you first take them out of the oven.
Keep Cooking
If you loved making Cherry Coconut Magic Bars, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:
Bring It to the Table
These Cherry Coconut Magic Bars are a show-stopping dessert that is as fun to make as it is to share. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Perfectly chewy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, each bite is a little piece of magic that you’ll want to recreate time and time again. Enjoy!
Cherry Coconut Magic Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your 9x13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the crust.
- Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips, followed by the quartered cherries, coconut, and chopped nuts.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before cutting.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
